The Finance Authority of Maine presented Camden National Bank with the “Lender at Work for Maine” award at its 40th anniversary celebration. This marks the 13th time Camden National Bank has been awarded this distinction for assisting small businesses with support and capital as they play a critical role in fueling the economy and providing jobs and services to communities.

The award recognizes banks for their commitment to supporting Maine businesses and jobs. Over the last year, Camden National Bank partnered with FAME on 59 small business loans for more than $23 million, which helped create 100 Maine jobs and retain an additional 386 jobs, according to a news release from the bank.

“Maine is our home, and as a community bank, we will forever be committed to supporting local businesses, the creation and retention of Maine jobs, and building a vibrant economy,” said Ryan Smith, executive vice president of commercial banking. “We are incredibly fortunate to live and work in this state, and we are honored to be recognized as a company that helps Maine businesses continue to succeed.”

One loan recipient through FAME and Camden National Bank is Melissa Karkos, the sole owner of MAG LLC. Karkos, of Rome, purchased her first Subway restaurant in 2016 and soon added two more locations. At the end of 2021, she approached Camden National to assist with the purchase of three new locations. In early 2022, she completed the financing to secure three new stores. In 2023, they worked to secure two additional FAME loans to assist with updates and renovations for two of the Subway restaurants.

“I’m so lucky to call the Finance Authority of Maine and Camden National Bank my business partners,” Karkos said. “They’ve had my back while I’ve expanded to better serve communities across the state.”